Category: Mount Vernon Nazarene University

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday w/Kyra Warren

Kyra Warren is a new and energetic member of the WNZR radio team, bringing both passion and personality to the station.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Originally from Wheelersburg, Ohio, Kyra’s journey to Mount Vernon Nazarene University was shaped by a meaningful experience at Nazarene Youth Conference. That moment helped guide her decision to attend MVNU, where she is now a junior majoring in communications and media. Her interest in radio comes naturally—she jokes that she loves hearing herself talk—but it’s also been strengthened through her coursework and hands-on opportunities.

At WNZR, Kyra serves as an on-air DJ and is actively involved behind the scenes as part of the WNZR.TV video crew. In addition, she contributes to the university’s stream team, where she runs camera and graphics, particularly for men’s volleyball—her favorite sport to follow. Her enthusiasm for media production and broadcasting continues to grow as she gains more experience in these roles.

Outside of the studio, Kyra enjoys spending time with friends, especially those in the communications department. One of her favorite memories from this school year involves her time in Redwood Dorm, where she shares a fun and ongoing “feud” with her upstairs neighbors—who also happen to be longtime friends from church. The group has developed a playful tradition of secretly stealing items from each other’s apartments, with one memorable incident involving the temporary disappearance of Kyra’s fridge.

Music is another important part of Kyra’s life. Her favorite artist is Riley Clemmons, and her favorite song, “Godsend,” holds special meaning to her. She shares that she played the song often during an impactful season of her life, and it continues to resonate with her today. When it comes to food, Kyra keeps it simple—she loves hotdogs, especially when they’re part of fun events with friends. On weekends, she enjoys relaxing and finding new things to do with the people closest to her.

Family plays a central role in Kyra’s story. She describes her dad as her favorite person in the world, noting how similar they are. During her high school years, her dad faced cancer and overcame it with strength and resilience. Even in the midst of that challenge, he remained focused on caring for others, leaving a lasting impression on Kyra. She also shared that she once dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, even choosing to attend college in part because she needed to be 21 for the job. While her goals have since changed, that dream reflects her adventurous and people-oriented spirit.

Kyra’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse continues to guide her perspective on faith, learning, and growth.

You can catch Kyra Warren on the air on Tuesdays from 1–2 PM and Wednesdays from 10–11 AM on WNZR.

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s website!

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Big Stories, Bigger Heart: MVNU’s ‘Big Fish’ Makes a Splash This Spring

MVNU Theatre Brings “Big Fish” to Life: Cast Shares Stories Behind the Magic

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s spring musical Big Fish is set to take the stage March 26–29 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium, promising an unforgettable journey filled with imagination, humor, and heart. As the cast prepares for opening night, several student performers shared their experiences bringing this larger-than-life story to reality.

Click HERE to hear ALL the interviews!

Zane Menzie: Bringing Stories to Life On and Off Stage

Senior Zane Menzie, from Marion, Ohio, plays Young Edward while also serving as the show’s director—balancing two major roles in the production. With a lifelong connection to theatre through his grandmother, a former executive director at a local theatre, Menzie has been immersed in the arts from a young age.

“Edward is the personification of these wild, hyperbolic stories,” Menzie explained. “He’s constantly creating these larger-than-life tales—he’s kind of crazy, but that’s what makes him so fun.”

As director, Menzie has spent months organizing rehearsals, giving notes, and shaping the overall vision of the show. Despite the workload, his favorite moments have come from late nights spent rehearsing with friends.

His favorite song, “Time Stops,” highlights a pivotal moment when Edward realizes he has found the woman he will marry. Menzie encourages students to get involved in theatre without hesitation: “Just give it a shot, do your best, and have fun.”

Tyler Maddux: Exploring Logic and Emotion Through Will

Senior worship arts major Tyler Maddux, from New Philadelphia, Ohio, portrays Will, Edward’s son. With roots in theatre dating back to his childhood in Arkansas—where his family managed a dinner theatre—Maddux brings both personal and professional passion to the stage.

“Will is very logical, and I had to learn how to portray that mindset,” he said. “But what I love most is how much he grows throughout the story.”

Maddux’s favorite song, “Stranger,” captures a turning point for his character as he processes becoming a father himself. Having performed in 18 productions, he hopes to continue theatre in the future, even as he steps into a new role as a worship pastor in Beavercreek, Ohio.

He emphasizes that theatre isn’t just for performers: “There are so many ways to get involved—crew, tech, set building. Just do it.”

Josiah Holloway: A Milestone Performance as Edward

For senior nursing major Josiah Holloway, Big Fish marks his 40th production—a milestone in a journey that began in fifth grade.

Holloway plays Old Edward, portraying both the 30- and 55-year-old versions of the character. “Edward is a father trying to show his son that there’s more to life,” he said. “In a lot of ways, he reminds me of my own dad.”

His favorite number, “How It Ends,” closes the show with emotional depth. Halloway hopes it resonates with audiences as strongly as it does with him.

Reflecting on his theatre experience, he highlights the friendships and humor shared backstage, including playful competitions among cast members. His advice: “Even if you’re busy, it’s worth making time for theatre.”

Kate Carter: Stepping Into Two Versions of Jenny Hill

Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter, from Pickerington, Ohio, plays Jenny Hill—both as a young girl and later in life.

“I love getting to show both sides of her character,” Carter said. “It’s a fun challenge, especially with costume changes that make me look completely different.”

Her favorite song, “Be the Hero,” features energetic choreography she especially enjoys performing. Carter values the unique experiences theatre offers, from acting to set-building, and encourages others to experience it for themselves.

Grace Maddux: A Story of Family On and Off Stage

Junior social work major Grace Maddux plays Sandra, Edward’s wife and a central figure in the story’s emotional core. Inspired by her parents’ love of theatre, she has embraced the role’s warmth and maternal qualities.

“Sandra is very nurturing, and that feels natural to me,” she said, noting she has also worked to perfect a Southern accent for the role.

Her favorite song, “I Don’t Need a Roof,” reflects the show’s themes of love and devotion. This production is especially meaningful, as it marks her final show performing alongside her brother, Tyler.

“This show is about family, fatherhood, and redemption,” she said. “It’s a beautiful story that people should come experience.”

Don’t Miss the Show

Big Fish will be performed March 26–29 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m., in Thorne Hall at R.R. Hodges Chapel & Auditorium.

After months of preparation, the cast is eager to share a story filled with adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. As Menzie put it, “We’ve spent so long bringing this story to life—it’s something really special.”

Click HERE for ticket information!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Zane Menzie!

It’s time for Meet the Staff Monday, and this week we’re introducing Zane Menzie, one of the newest members of the WNZR radio team!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Zane is from Marion, Ohio, and transferred to Mount Vernon Nazarene University after realizing his previous school in Columbus wasn’t the right fit. After visiting campus, he felt MVNU was the place for him and decided to make the move.

Zane joined WNZR through one of his classes and decided to give radio a try—and now you can hear him on the air Thursdays from 1–3pm. Outside the studio, he stays busy as the president of the Theatre Club, something he’s very passionate about. He even had the opportunity to direct his own play, which gave him the chance to see theatre from the other side of the curtain. Zane hopes to pursue a master’s degree in directing and producing, with dreams of becoming a professor or working with smaller theatre productions in the future.

This spring he’s also involved with the theatre production of Big Fish: The Musical, happening March 26–29. The show tells the story of a larger-than-life storyteller and the relationship between a father and son as they discover the truth behind the tall tales. You can search for MVNU Theatre tickets online if you’d like to attend.

When he’s not on the air or working with theatre, Zane enjoys making homemade sushi, playing video games on the weekends, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite song right now is “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

One interesting fact about Zane is that he was born with nerve damage in one ear and can only hear about 25% from it. He also shared how God has been helping him grow in his faith—learning to make it his own rather than simply following the faith of his family.

Be sure to tune in and hear Zane on WNZR Thursdays from 1–3pm!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Naomi Kinne

Senior Naomi Kinne is no stranger to WNZR. She has been serving as our Graphic Designer for the past year, but she has now joined our WNZR On Air Staff!

Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio and is a Graphic Design Major. Her minor is Communication and Digital Media. Naomi enjoys public speaking and is excited to get the opportunity to use those skills on the radio. She is also serving as the social media manager for the MVNU Basketball and Cheer Teams.

Noami shares some of her favorite memories on campus including the Block Party. She talks about making memories with other WNZR Staff Members on a trip to the CMB University Conference (Christian Music Broadcasters).

Naomi’s favorite artists at WNZR include Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank. She shared other favorites including Mexican food and her 3 sisters. Naomi is the oldest!

Naomi’s life verse is Colossians 3:2. It reminds her to focus on eternity and focus on God.  

Catch her on air Fridays 2pm – 3pm.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we celebrate Spring Break!

Today, we wrapped up the first of 2 weeks of Spring Break at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared how they are celebrating break.

Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Josiah, Eric and Xander OR click on the picture below.

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Isabel Johnson

Meet Isabel Johnson, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Isabel and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Isabel grew up in Bucyrus, and she’s been around MVNU since she was little. She decided to attend MVNU, because she felt the community was open and focused on faith. She is a double major in Music Performance and Communication and Digital Media at MVNU.

Isabel wants to pursue radio broadcasting so joining WNZR was a no brainer. She also wants to write songs and tell stories in her future.

When it comes to music, one of Isabel’s favorite artists is Josiah Queen. She also loves hearing Black Sheep by Ben Fuller.

Outside the studio, Isabel is involved in collagens corral which is an ensemble choir, and she is excited for their upcoming performance, Big Fish. Her favorite food is fried chicken with some mac and cheese and fries. On the weekend, she likes to read, make crafts, and read her Bible.

Isabel shared how God has been helping her with her self-worth, and how he has helped through tough times. She feels now that she is unique and loved by God! Her two favorite verses are Psalms 46:5 and Psalms 46:10a:

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalms 46:5

““Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalms 46:10a

You can catch Isabel on-air Tuesday nights from 11 p.m. to midnight and on Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Anna Boynton

Meet Anna Boynton, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Anna and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Anna grew up in Grove City, but five years ago her family made the move to Mount Vernon. Coming to Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) felt like a natural step—her family are alumni, and she strongly felt that God was leading her here. Now, as a true freshman majoring in Communication: Digital Media (with some CCP experience already under her belt), she’s diving right in.

Interestingly, Anna wasn’t always sure about joining the station. She was a little skeptical at first—but that quickly changed. What started as uncertainty has turned into a truly enjoyable experience. She’s currently an on-air DJ and is also exploring other ways to get involved around campus as she finds her footing.

One of her favorite memories so far? Serving as a runner during Food for the Hungry. She loved getting to meet generous donors on Drive Day and seeing firsthand how the community comes together to make a difference. Those moments left a big impression on her.

When it comes to music, Anna’s top pick is for King & Country. She’s even seen them live in concert! Two of her favorite songs are Priceless and God Only Knows—both meaningful tracks that she keeps on repeat.

Outside the studio, Anna loves ice cream (especially Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip), spending time with friends, and working on photography. She enjoys heading out into nature to capture beautiful moments through her lens. Above all, she says her favorite people in the world are her parents, whose love and support mean everything to her.

Having moved several times—including living in Missouri—Anna reflects on how those transitions, along with homeschooling and CCP classes during high school, have shaped her. She feels that God has been teaching her patience and what it means to let Him take control. Her favorite Bible verse, John 14:27, reminds her daily to rest in God’s peace:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

You can catch Anna on air every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Joey Bennett

Joey Bennett is bringing energy, enthusiasm, and heart to the WNZR radio team this year. A freshman Communication and Digital Media major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Joey is already making her mark as a DJ. You can catch her live on WNZR every Wednesday from 2–4 PM, where she shares great music and an uplifting presence with listeners.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Originally from Weirton, West Virginia, Joey has long felt a special connection to MVNU. Her home church was deeply involved with the university, and she says she always felt at home whenever she came to visit campus. That sense of belonging made her decision to attend MVNU a natural one.

Joey discovered her interest in radio through her communication classes. Curious and willing to try something new, she stepped into the studio—and quickly found her place behind the mic. Now as part of the WNZR team, she’s embracing the opportunity to grow her skills and connect with others through broadcasting.

Outside of the studio, Joey is just as active. She cheers on the MVNU game day and competition squads and has been involved in cheerleading since elementary school. In fact, she has even spent time coaching along the way. One of her favorite MVNU memories so far has been attending Sonfest and reconnecting with friends from her home church.

When it comes to music, Joey’s favorite artist is Katy Nichole, and her favorite song is “Have Your Way.” She even had the opportunity to see Katy Nichole live at the K-LOVE Center—an experience she describes as incredibly exciting and unforgettable.

Joey’s interests don’t stop there. She loves crawfish and crab legs (though chicken is always a good option, too), enjoys sleeping in when she can, and values taking time to relax and reset for the week ahead. She credits one of her former teachers, Mrs. Hores—who taught life skills, food prep, and sewing clubs—as someone who made a lasting impact on her life.

A fun fact about Joey? She has a unique hidden talent—she can contort her body! But beyond her talents and activities, her faith is what guides her most. Joey shares that God has been teaching her to trust Him fully and “let God take the pen back” in writing her life story.

Two of her favorite Bible verses reflect that trust:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Looking ahead, Joey dreams of becoming a TV news reporter and anchor. With her passion for communication, heart for ministry, and growing experience at WNZR, she’s already well on her way.

Be sure to tune in Wednesdays from 2–4 PM to hear Joey on WNZR!

Click HERE to check out WNZR.fm!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Brock Hankins

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features Sophomore/Junior, Brock Hankins.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Brock is from Mount Vernon and chose to attend MVNU because of his connection to the CCP classes he had already taken here. Thanks to those early college credits, he came in with 50 credits completed — which means at just 19 years old, he’s considered a Sophomore/Junior.

His interest in radio grew out of his longtime love for music and the arts. When Brock decided to major in communication, trying out WNZR and radio felt like a natural step. Now, he serves as a DJ and also helps with the Sportscasting video team. But he doesn’t stop there. Brock works as an office intern for the communications department, hopes to be involved in SGA, and stays active in many areas around campus.

One major highlight of his college experience so far has been attending CMBU. That trip opened significant doors for him, including the opportunity to become one of two CMBU interns. He now works alongside fellow intern Naomi Kinne in that role. Brock describes the CMBU trip as one of his greatest memories because of the opportunities it created.

Much of Brock’s college experience focuses on his campus involvement and being a member of the worship team at The Church at Chapel Hill. His faith is an important part of his life. Although he grew up Christian, he recently came to terms with truly making his faith his own, and he shares how God has been working in his heart during this season.

His favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:32:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

This verse is especially meaningful to him because of his struggle with forgiveness, and it reminds him to choose kindness and forgiveness daily.

Outside of school and work, Brock enjoys catching up on sleep and going out to eat with his family on the weekends. His favorite people in the world are his parents, sister, and grandma — especially because of how they support him in everything he does. He also laughs about a funny family memory during a snowstorm when his grandma still wanted to go to Chili’s first thing in the morning.

A few fun facts about Brock: his favorite artist is Lauren Daigle, and his favorite song is “Thank God I Do.” His favorite food is Italian — specifically Chicken Alfredo. And he’s secretly had the privilege of going to Hawaii twice.

You can hear Brock Hankins on Mondays from 2-4pm.

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s website and see and the other WNZR staff!

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